If you are looking for culturally enriching experiences, India is the right country for you. Germany is a better choice if job prospects after graduation are more important to you.
One of the first things students notice is the different social norms. Germans value privacy, personal space, and direct communication.
This may initially feel distant or formal, especially compared to the familiar and warm social interactions common in India.
Germans generally prefer more personal space and maintaining distance, especially in formal interactions.
In India, physical distance is often less, and touching such as shoulder pats or holding hands between friends is considered desirable.
In India, social gatherings are usually casual, informal, warm, and often spontaneous, rather than planned well in advance.
Not so in Germany! Spontaneous visits to friends aren’t always encouraged.
India or Germany?
The two countries differ in many ways.
If you’re looking for culturally enriching experiences, India is the right country for you. Germany is the better choice if career choice is important to you.
Work
Germany is known to place great value on work-life balance. German work culture promotes the idea that employees should have sufficient time for relaxation, family,
and personal activities outside of work. A typical German workweek is around 35 to 40 hours, and overtime is generally frowned upon.
Moral Values
Modesty, non-violence, and respect for the elderly are universal values in Indian culture. Unfortunately, this kind of respect for the elderly no longer exists in Germany that much anymore. It wasn’t always this way. Generations before women and children as well as weaker persons were protected; this, is no longer practiced much in this way.
For centuries, beauty in India has been defined by three essential characteristics: Fair skin, straight hair, and a slim figure.
In Germany, looking at people of the opposite sex is perceived as intrusive and invasive. Especially for women.
Important characteristics of Indian culture are civilized communication, beliefs, values, etiquette, and rituals. India is known worldwide for its „unity in diversity.“
This means that India is a diverse nation, where many religious people live together peacefully and cultivate different cultures.
India is home to many colorful holidays and festivals, most of which have religious origins. The most important Hindu festivals are Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors and spring), and Durga Puja (the festival of Goddess Durga).
In Germany, holidays are usually celebrated more quietly. Important holidays in Germany are:
New Year’s Day, Easter, Pentecost, Labor Day, German Unity Day, and Christmas.